Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Sweet and Sour Chicken
Plate of diced pineapple, vegetables and chicken served with rice.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet pineapple, chicken, vegetables and a savory sauce are combined to make a delicious meal for any night of the week.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Easy Meatballs
Baking dish of meatballs in a creamy sauce.

Easy Meatballs

These oven-baked meatballs are easy and full of flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
24 meatballs
Three Sisters Soup
Bean, corn and summer squash soup in bowls.

Three Sisters Soup

Warm and comforting easy-to-make soup with squash, beans and a savory broth.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Peach Sundae
Small bowls of yogurt with a soft peach topping.

Peach Sundae

A 5-minute yogurt peach sundae with juicy peaches, sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Pinto Bean Dip
Bean dip topped with jalapeno peppers served with baby carrots.

Pinto Bean Dip

A quick and easy bean dip that comes together in 5 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ¼ cups
Sautéed Zucchini
Bowl of zucchini spears.

Sautéed Zucchini

This 4-ingredient recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Customize by adding your favorite spices!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups